Storm solid (after top of 1st)

Greenthumb only had eight players to show up at the start of the game, but boy did those eight come to play. In the top of the 1^st, Greenthumb batted through their lineup and almost made it through a second time scoring 10 runs capped off with a massive home run. It really was great hitting by Greenthumb as they simply kept putting the ball where Storm fielders weren’t. It’s unclear whether the arrival of their ninth player threw off the team rhythm, or whether they just exhausted themselves from all the running around the bases they did, but they were only able to score one run the rest of the game. The turning point was a relay from the outfield that Joey barehanded and tossed home to record the first out of the inning. After that Storm’s defense was strong.

Storm definitely showed some of that “resiliency” that Doug Ford is always talking about. After falling behind by 10 runs, it would be understandable to give up or get frustrated. Storm didn’t, though. They simply stepped up to bat and went at it. A leadoff double was followed by a pair of singles and then a massive two run shot by Craig. Three more singles followed, which led to Rene stepping up to the plate. Frustrated by comments about all of his solo home runs and home run outs, he launched a grand slam and then quipped, “it doesn’t get more timely than that, does it!” Storm wasn’t done yet, though, and put up four more hits for two more runs to match Greenthumb’s 10 run first.

Storm kept rolling in the 2^nd. With two men on, Rene launched his 2^nd home run of the game, this time a three run shot, that gave him 7RBI on two trips to the plate. It also further helped dispel the myth that he’s the solo home run type of guy. Brad, who was either upset about the comments about his speed in the last writeup, or who was upset that he wasn’t used as a courtesy runner in the first when he was coaching first base, through a combination of stealth and hidden speed turned a conventional single into a double to prove that he can still run. Or maybe it’s just because he wore pants!

In the 3^rd, things got a little troubling for Storm. The team ran into some more +2 trouble. After scoring a pair of runs, Duran launched a home run out. Craig then followed suit. Lance avoided the three home run out inning before Al grounded out to the pitcher.

Storm’s offense toned down in the 4^th and 5^th, but in the bottom of the 6^th it woke up again. Seven consecutive hits started the 6^th. After complaints that Storm was trying to run up the score, Joey batted left handed and grounded out to the pitcher (by the way, Greenthumb’s pitcher made some really nice plays throughout the game).

Offensive Highlight: Rene’s two home runs for 7 RBI

Defensive Highlight: Storm turned a double-play on a line drive that was caught and then thrown back to first where Al had to reach out and catch the ball and then lunge back and tag the base with his glove to double off the runner.

Cycle Watch:

Joey missed the home run.

Craig missed the triple.

Notable Boxscores:

Rene: 3 / 4, 2HR, 7RBI, 3 runs

Jeff: 4 / 4, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 2 runs

Bob: 4 / 4, 4 runs

Joey: 4 / 5, 2 runs, 1 RBI

Lance: 3 / 4, 3 RBI

Brian: 3 / 4, 2RBI

Craig: 3 / 5, HR, 3RBI, 2 runs

HR's: Craig. Rene (2)
HR Out's: Craig, Duran

Boxscore
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Total
Greenthumb	10	0	0	0	0	1	0	11
Storm	10	5	3	1	2	7	x	28

Storm staunches Rebel onslaught

The first game of the doubleheader must have warmed up the Storm bats, because they started strong. A leadoff double was followed by a pair of singles, which was followed by a three-run dinger by Rene who was thrilled that Joey didn’t clear the bases in front of him. Four batters later Craig launched another three-run home run into the trees. Storm definitely started strong, but they needed to in this game because the Rebels weren’t going to lie down that easily. They were unable to score in the first, but after holding Storm to two runs in the top of the 2^nd, they put up six of their own and it was clear this was going to be a battle.

Storm struggled in the top of the 3^rd and 4^th only plating one run total, which allowed the Rebels to gain the advantage after a 6 run 3^rd inning. Rebels led 14-10 going into the top of the 5^th.

With shades of the playoffs coming back, Storm had the choice to roll over and let the Rebels run over them, or to take a stand. Jeff led off the 5^th with a double, sneaking into 2^nd when he saw the throw wasn’t going to 2^nd. Duran singled him home and then Joey launched a two-run homer. Rene then launched yet another solo home run, but it might be good he did as Storm struggled for the rest of the inning and didn’t score another run.

Up 14-12 going into the bottom of the 5^th, Storm wanted to stop the Rebels in their tracks, but the Rebels had more firepower in their bats and put up a 5 spot to retake the lead. Storm would not give up. After giving up the lead twice, they found enough firepower to push the Rebels back and scored seven runs in the top of the 6^th. These runs were produced by seven consecutive singles to start the inning, and another clutch single later in the inning.

Storm finally put up a solid wall of defense in the 6^th and kept the Rebels off the board. Storm knew that a four run lead was probably not enough, and they continued to put pressure on the Rebels. Storm kept finding cracks in the Rebels defense with eight hits in the seventh leading to eight more runs. Now they had a comfortable 12 run lead going into the bottom of the 7^th. The Rebels tried to mount one more offensive strike, but it was staunched by a double play by Joey. Even had they kept hitting they likely would have run out of time.

Highlights:

It seems that an umpire calling for a courtesy runner for Dave has lit a fire in him. He hit a double for the second consecutive game. Dave’s doubles seem to have lit a fire in Brian, as he also hit a double. With these two moving so swiftly, Storm might be able to spread out their courtesy runners.

Notable Boxscores:

Rene: 3/4, 2 HR, 3 runs, 5 RBI

Joey: 3/5, HR, 2 runs, 4 RBI

Jeff: 4/5, 3 doubles, 3 runs, 2 RBI

Craig: 2/4, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBI

Duran: 3/4, 2 runs, 4 RBI

Dave: 3/4, 3 runs, 3 RBI

Kenny: 3/4, 3 runs, 3 RBI

Bob: 4/4, 2 runs

Kevin: 3/4, 2 runs, 2 RBI

HR's: Joey, Craig, Rene (2)

Boxscore
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Total
Storm	7	2	1	0	4	7	8	29
Rebels	0	6	6	0	5	0	0	17

3rd and 4th inning offensive bursts carry Storm to victory

Storm started slowly once again. The first two batters of the game recorded outs on the first two pitches. Then Joey decided he needed to work George’s pitch count and took a walk. It raised the pitch count, but didn’t do much else as Rene got out. In the 2^nd inning Storm didn’t do much better. Al singled and Craig drove daddy-in-law home on a two-run homer. Through two innings Storm had only managed two runs.

Thankfully Storm’s defense was solid and didn’t allow any runs in the first two innings.

Then, in the 3^rd, the Storm winds blew and broke open the A’s defensive dam. Kevin led off with a walk followed by a couple of singles. Then Dave, I don’t need a courtesy runner thank you very much, smacked a double. The inning was capped off with a three-run blast by Joey.

In the top of the 4^th, Storm continued to swing the bats well, batting through the entire lineup. Craig managed a very nice plus two single. That was followed by five singles and a Duran triple, before Craig, who had appeared to master his plus 2 swing, knocked a home run out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 4^th, Al came in and promptly blew Mike’s shutout. The A’s put up 2 in the 4^th and another in the 5^th before putting up a 4 spot in the 4^th and making a game of it. Storm’s offense either decided that it had already done enough, or simply ran out of steam from all the running around the bases they did in the 3^rd and 4^th innings, because they barely mustered one run in their final three trips to the plate. Thankfully, they had already put up enough runs to win the game.

Highlights:

Brad announced that it was too hot for pants, and so he wore shorts, but also said that he needed to protect his knees, so he had some kind of knee padding on. This clearly affected his speed because he was unable to get to a foul ball while playing catcher, and was nearly thrown out at 2^nd and 1^st on plays that should not have been close. This situation will be monitored going forward.

Craig should  be looking for a refund on his jersey. The buttons just won’t stay done up during his home run swing.

Kevin retired “Tinky”, much to the chagrin of the Storm power hitters when Storm went up +2. Instead, Kevin brought Tinky’s cousin “Tonky”. It was quickly discovered that “Tonky” is a walking bat. Pitchers are so intimidated by its black and silver sheen that they don’t throw strikes. “Tonky” was walked numerous times, and when it finally made contact, it had a little more pop than “Tinky” and might not be what Storm needs +2. 

HR's: Joey, Craig

Boxscore
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Total
Storm	0	2	7	9	0	1	0	19
A’s	0	0	0	2	1	4	3	10

Storm sneaks by Hanet

Things started well for Storm. The 1^st inning was solid on both sides of the ball. Mike pitched a three-up, three-down inning to get the game started, and Storm bats started swinging early. Jeff led off with a single, followed by a Duran double, a Joey single, a double from Craig, and then Lance launched a three-run homer over the left field fence. On the pitch before his home run, he hit a sharp line drive down the 3^rd base line nearly taking out Joey and Dave, and for some reason he apologized to Duran, who was sitting safely on the bench.

Storm didn’t stop in the 2^nd. Hanet managed to get one run in the top of the 2^nd, but some good defense stranded a couple of runners. Storm kept swinging the bats well in the 2^nd. Joey hit a massive three-run home run. Of course, that meant Storm was +2 in home runs when Craig came up. Craig struggles with batting when Storm is +2. He his swing looked more like a volleyball volley. He popped it straight up in the air and, thankfully, the catcher dropped it allowing Craig to make it to first (after spinning around confusedly in the batter’s box for a while). Lance drove him in on a triple and a few hits later Storm had scored another 6 runs to take an 11-1 lead.

You’d think for a team as strong as Storm they would be able to finish the game off easily at this point, but no, they decided they’d make things interesting. In the top of the 3^rd, Hanet got some offensive life scoring three runs. Storm decided they didn’t need to score any more runs, and didn’t in the bottom of the 3^rd. When Hanet picked up two more runs in the top of the 4^th to bring the score to 11-6, Storm thought, hey, maybe we should keep hitting. Duran got a little over anxious and led off with a solo home run that bounced off the top of the fence. Of course, this meant Storm was +2 again with Craig coming to bat. This time, instead of hitting it straight up into the air, he hit it straight down into the ground. The effect was far better, as it turned into a hard ground ball single. The result was the same, as Craig was on 1^st base. Storm would score two more runs, and the inning would come to an end as Brad thought he was Duran and tried to score from first on Kenny’s double against Hanet’s strong outfield arms. He was gunned down at the plate.

Storm seemed to have things settle down a little bit as they kept Hanet scoreless in the top of the 5^th. Storm had an opportunity to put the game away after shutting Hanet out. Instead, they scored nothing and let Hanet hang around a little longer. This was nearly disastrous, as Hanet remembered that it’s fun hitting, and in the top of the 6^th did a ton of it. They scored six runs including 2 home runs (one solo shot) that brought the game to within two runs. The home runs did allow Storm some more home runs, so when Craig batted, he didn’t have to worry, and he launched a massive (solo) home run over the left-field fence. Bob, Brad, Kenny, and Mike put together consecutive singles to add three more runs, and it looked like Storm had it all sealed up.

Looks can be deceiving, however, as Hanet still had plenty more hitting to do. With the top of their order up they delivered gapper after gapper and were able to put up six runs to tie the game. Storm had last at bats, and needed only one run to win. Dave led off by grounding out, but that still meant that Storm had the top of the order coming up, with only one out and needing only one run to win. Hanet had also generously given Storm home runs back, and any one of the next six batters could have ended it with one swing. But why do things the easy way? Or the glorious way? Storm decided to go at it the hard way.

Jeff singled between 3^rd and short. Duran, who had previously and effortlessly hit a solo home run, hit a single up the middle moving Jeff, the winning run to 2^nd. Joey, who frequently hits towering fly ball home runs to every part of the park, hit a ground ball to 3^rd base. That’s right, with runners on 1^st and 2^nd, he hit the ball to 3^rd. Thankfully he hit it hard, and it bounced off the 3^rd baseman allowing everyone to make it safely.

Then came Craig. Craig, who sneezes and the ball goes out of the park. He had already hit a towering home run in the game, and didn’t need to worry about hitting a home run out. With visions of a walk-off grand slam in his head he stepped up to the plate, and nearly jumped out of his socks to hit a towering fly ball to the …catcher. The catcher dropped it and the ball was called foul. Craig had a second shot! What did he do with it? He hit a towering fly ball to… 2^nd base. Infield fly. Two out.

Lance, had also hit a home run earlier in the game. He was now batting with two outs and the bases loaded. Having already hit a glorious walk-off home run this season, the bench was primed for the walk-off grand slam. But no. Lance decided that Joey was his idol, and if Joey wasn’t going to hit a walk-off homer, neither was he. If a hard ground ball to 3^rd with the game on the line was good enough for Joey, then it was good enough for Lance. And that’s what he hit. A hard ground ball to 3^rd. And it was good enough. The ball got through and Storm won by one.

What a finish!

Fun facts:

In the second inning, before Dave had even reached first base, the umpire, without waiting for Storm, called first courtesy on first.

Cycle Watch:

Duran and Craig were both triples short of the cycle.

Lance, who is clearly much faster than Duran and Craig, got the triple, but missed the double.

Brian missed the single, double, triple and home run.

HR's: Lance, Duran, Joey, Craig

Boxscore
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Total
Hanet	0	1	3	2	0	6	6	18
Storm	5	6	0	3	0	4	1	19

Storm down IG Wealth in 4

Scoops Jockovitch here stepping in for the award winning write up specialist Jeffery “Tank Engine” Thomas. 

Facing off against the bullish IG Wealth Investment team the Storm came out like a crack fueled caterer by plating 9. Highlighted by a Duran “No Mas” Spray 2 run dinger. 

“Iron” Mike Tyl was the only slinger for this game and the wily knuckler had the financiers in the palm of his strangely soft and supple hand all game. IG could only make a small investment to their portfolio by scoring a deuce. 

In the top half of the second the Storm came on like Ryan Reynolds at a sorority party... they scored early and often. Mark another 9 on the old scoresheet. Newcomer to the team and late comer to the game Craig “Timber” Procknow had the eyes of a hawk and the hands of a statue as he did his best dairy farmer impression by milking his first walk of the year.

IG continued to experience a recession in their run development plating only 1 in their part of the inning with a Chewbacca Co-Pilot!

Like an elderly Senator with his young dominatrix, the Storm seemed to use their safe-word for the 3rd inning and scored not at all. Which allowed those wily Management folks to gain ever closer.

Leading 18-4 going into the 4th and after “Timber” once again planted himself on 1st base the infamous Irish quartet known as Top O’ Theorder decided to take things into their own, one gloved hands.

The pond was full of ducks  for Rene “ PVR” Magotiaux who decided to order take-out for his grand salami!

Trailing 23-4 going into the bottom of the 4th the IG Team was looking to cash in on some long term investments with 6 runs.

The Storm trotted off the field anxious to swing some more aluminum composite now that IGWM had made an upswing when to everyones raised Spockian eyebrow IGWM cashed out, waved the fluffy textile and called the game.

A victory for the Storm and for those who wanted extra time to drink!

HR: Duran ‘ No Mas’ Spray

Rene “ PVR” Magotiaux

Highlites- 2 bat around innings for the Storm

Bob “ Active Cell” Peppler, Joey “ No Slide” Pilkey, No Mas and PVR all batted 1.000 for the game

HR's: Duran, Rene

Boxscore
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Total
Storm	9	9	0	5	x	x	x	23
IG Wealth	2	1	1	6	x	x	x	10